A person can develop a dependency on alcohol or other drugs when they continue to misuse a substance despite the many social, occupational, psychological or physical problems that it causes.
Substances that people may have problems with include both legal and illegal substances as well as prescribed and non-prescribed medications, such as:
- alcohol
- nicotine
- marijuana
- opiates
- hallucinogens
- sedatives
- stimulants
- analgesics (pain reducing drugs)
- inhalants.
Statistics
Dependency on alcohol or other drugs is frequently accompanied by other psychological conditions including depression and anxiety. Recent research has revealed that 25 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women with a substance dependency also have an underlying depressive and/or anxiety disorder (Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. and ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne 2006).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are adjustments and solutions available for the following job requirements:
The Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace e-learning course can help you understand and work with a person experiencing a substance dependency. Call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 for your free copy.
References and resources
Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. & Kitchener, B., A. & Jorm, A., F. at ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne 2006, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace—an e-learning course, Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra.
Links to specific types of substance dependencies